2009 El Alma de Jonata

The inky colored 2009 El Alma de Jonata, which was made from 70% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, is no less impressive, exhibiting rich, full notes of cigar, chocolate, tobacco leaf and crushed rock notes to go with a massively built, structured profile on the palate. Very full-bodied and one big wine, it can be enjoyed now or cellared for a decade. Drink now-2023. This was an incredible tasting with winemaker Matt Dees. This estate continues to produce some of the most impressive, long-lived wines in Santa Barbara. As I’ve learned from past tasting, it’s always best to schedule this appointment at the end of the day as these effort have no shortage of tannin and can wreak havoc on one’s palate. While I’ve routinely tasted the La Sangre de Jonata for a number of years now, it was great to be able to go back through past vintages of this estate’s other wines. In addition to these efforts bottled under the Jonata label, I was also able to taste their The Hilt and The Pairing releases, both of which are also reviewed in this report (and highly recommended). Tel. (805) 564-8581; www.jonata.com

(70% cabernet franc, 20% cabernet sauvignon, 9% merlot and 1% petit verdot): Bright violet color. Highly perfumed aromas of cherry, spicy plum and cherry-cola, with a floral topnote. Fresh, dense and spicy, boasting impressive focus to its sappy black fruit flavors. Lively acidity lends energy to the long, clean finish, which features a lingering violet note and polished, harmonious tannins.

The 2009 El Alma de Jonata is a serious, stuctured wine endowed with considerable depth. Dark red fruit, licorice grilled herbs and mint are some of the notes that blossom in the glass from this structured intense wine. Layers of fruit are woven together in this generous, expressive red. Some of the depth of the fruit trails off on the finish, exposing the tannins a touch. The 2009 Alma de Jonata is 70% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot.